Proverbs 11:1
(Pro. 11:1-31)
(Compare Margin). The Hebrews used stones for weights.
just--complete in measure.
Proverbs 11:2
Self-conceit is unteachable; the humble grow wise (compare Pro 16:18; Pro 18:12).
Proverbs 11:3
guide--to lead, as a shepherd (Pro 6:7; Psa 78:52).
perverseness--ill-nature.
destroy--with violence.
Proverbs 11:4
(Compare Pro 10:2).
wrath--that is, of God.
Proverbs 11:5
direct--or, "make plain"; wicked ways are not plain (Pro 13:17).
Proverbs 11:6
deliver them--that is, from evil, which the wicked suffer by their own doings (Pro 5:22; Psa 9:16).
Proverbs 11:7
expectation . . . perish--for death cuts short all his plans (Luk 16:25).
hope of unjust--better, "hope of wealth," or "power" (compare Isa 40:29, Hebrew). This gives an advance on the sentiment of the first clause. Even hopes of gain die with him.
Proverbs 11:8
Perhaps the trouble prepared by the wicked, and which he inherits (compare Pro 11:6).
Proverbs 11:9
(Compare Psa 35:16; Dan 11:32). The just is saved by superior discernment.
Proverbs 11:10
The last may be a reason for the first. Together, they set forth the relative moral worth of good and bad men.
Proverbs 11:11
By the blessing--implying active benevolence.
Proverbs 11:12
despiseth--or, "reviles," a course contrasted with the prudent silence of the wise.
holdeth his peace--as if neither hearing nor telling.
Proverbs 11:13
tale-bearer--(Compare Margin), one trading as a peddler in scandal, whose propensity to talk leads him to betray confidence.
Proverbs 11:14
counsel--the art of governing (Pro 1:5).
counsellors--literally, "one giving counsel"; the participle used as a collective.
Proverbs 11:15
(Compare Pro 6:1).
suretiship--(Compare Margin), the actors put for the action, which may be lawfully hated.
Proverbs 11:16
retaineth--or literally, "lay hold of as a support." Honor is to a feeble woman thus as valuable as riches to men.
Proverbs 11:17
merciful--kind to others; opposed to cruel. Such benefit themselves by doing good to others (compare Pro 24:5), while the cruel injure themselves as well as others.
flesh--that is, his body, by penuriousness (Col 2:23).
Proverbs 11:18
a deceitful work--or, "wages," which fail to satisfy, or flee away (Pro 10:2; Pro 23:5).
sure reward--or, "gain," as from trading (Hos 10:12; Gal 6:8-9).
Proverbs 11:19
Inference from Pro 11:18 (compare Pro 11:5-6; Pro 10:16).
Proverbs 11:20
(Compare Pro 11:5).
froward--as in Pro 2:15, opposed to the simplicity and purity of the upright.
in their way--or, "conduct."
Proverbs 11:21
The combined power of the wicked cannot free them from just punishment, while the unaided children of the righteous find deliverance by reason of their pious relationship (Psa 37:25-26).
Proverbs 11:22
Jewels were often suspended from the nose (Gen 24:47; Isa 3:21). Thus adorned, a hog disgusts less than a fair and indiscreet woman.
Proverbs 11:23
(Compare Pro 10:28).
wrath--is that of God.
Proverbs 11:24
The scope of the whole is a comment on Pro 11:23. Thus liberality, by God's blessing, secures increase, while penuriousness, instead of expected gain, procures poverty.
Proverbs 11:25
liberal soul--(Compare Margin).
made fat--prospers (Pro 28:25; Deu 32:15; Luk 6:38).
watereth . . . watered--a common figure for blessing.
Proverbs 11:26
Another example of the truth of Pro 11:23; the miser loses reputation, though he saves corn.
selleth it--that is, at a fair price.
Proverbs 11:27
good [and] mischief--that is, of others.
procureth . . . seeketh--implying success.
Proverbs 11:28
(Compare Pro 10:15; Psa 49:6; Ti1 6:17).
righteous . . . branch-- (Psa 1:3; Jer 17:8).
Proverbs 11:29
troubleth--as Pro 15:27 explains, by greediness for gain (compare Pro 11:17).
inherit . . . wind--Even successful, his gains are of no real value. So the fool, thus acting, either comes to poverty, or heaps up for others.
Proverbs 11:30
a tree of life--Blessings to others proceed from the works of the righteous (Pro 3:18).
winneth souls--(Compare Margin) to do them good as opposed to Pro 6:25; Eze 13:18 (compare Luk 5:10).
Proverbs 11:31
Behold--Thus calling attention to the illustrations (compare Pro 11:23), the sentiment of which is confirmed even in time, not excluding future rewards and punishments.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible is Public Domain
